anorectal fistula

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anorectal fistula

An acutely inflamed “tract” which connects the anus and the rectum. Aetiology Trauma, abscesses, inflammatory processes (e.g., cancer), Crohn’s disease.
Clinical findings Chronic purulent discharge from a para-anal opening which, with a probe, leads to the rectum.
Management Small anal fistulas heal spontaneously; large ones require excision, which must follow 4 principles: find opening; find tract; unroof tract over its length; ensure that healing occurs from within outward.

anorectal fistula

Surgery An acutely inflammed 'tract' which connects the anus and the rectum Etiology Trauma, abscesses, inflammatory processes–eg, CA, Crohn's disease Clinical Chronic purulent discharge from a para-anal opening which, with a probe, leads to the rectum, stool strain pain Pathology Inflammation Management Small AFs heal spontaneously; large ones require surgery